Investigation of perceptions of environmental management systems and its perceived importance in a corporation undergoing ISO 14001 certification

The International Organization of Standardization (ISO) has created a series of voluntary standards (ISO 14000) that promote waste reduction and improve businesses' environmental management. ISO 14001 is the Environmental Management System portion of ISO 14000 requiring employee awareness and involvement. The Robert Bosch Corporation is undergoing ISO 14001 certification.;In this study, a 23-question survey was used to evaluate Bosch employees' awareness of ISO 14000 and their support of a waste reduction program at 4 plants (Johnson City, TN; Sumter, South Carolina; Ashland, Ohio; and South Bend, Indiana). Employees surveyed were not yet familiar with ISO 14000 and that their awareness varied across job title and location. Employees were pro-environment and supported waste reduction programs under the condition they would not be penalized financially as a result. Results of this study will be used to identify strengths and weaknesses in EMS training at the surveyed facilities.